Smit Clara R

- 190 NJ-18 #200, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

In the diverse legal landscape of New Jersey, finding an attorney who not only understands the law but also the unique needs of a specific community can be a transformative experience. For the Deaf and hard of hearing community, navigating legal matters can be particularly challenging due to communication barriers and a history of discrimination. Having a legal professional who is not only fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) but also deeply committed to civil rights is an invaluable asset. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Smit Clara R, an attorney who has dedicated her practice to serving the Deaf community in East Brunswick and throughout the state of New Jersey. We will explore her specialized services, her professional background, and the key features that make her a standout choice for legal representation in discrimination cases and more.

Clara R. Smit, Esq., is an attorney with a unique and powerful professional focus. She is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), meaning her parents were Deaf and communicated primarily through American Sign Language. This lifelong exposure has given her an unparalleled understanding of the Deaf world, its culture, and the systemic challenges faced by its members. Ms. Smit has been practicing law for nearly three decades and was a certified interpreter for twelve years, making her one of the first and longest-practicing attorneys in this specialized field in New Jersey. Her practice is primarily focused on discrimination cases, and she has a strong track record of winning significant victories that have resulted in groundbreaking changes in policies at hospitals, doctor's offices, prisons, schools, and police departments. Eighty percent of her clientele is profoundly Deaf and communicates through sign language, a testament to her reputation and the trust she has built within the community. Her work is a testament to her dedication to making a real difference through legal intervention and ensuring that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected.

Beyond her specialized focus, Ms. Smit's practice is built on a foundation of skill and kindness, as noted by a client review. Her approach is about providing effective legal counsel while maintaining a compassionate and understanding demeanor. She is not just an attorney; she is a dedicated advocate for communication access and civil rights. For members of the Deaf community who have historically been denied access to the courts and attorneys due to communication barriers, having a lawyer who is fluent in ASL and has a personal understanding of their experiences is a monumental benefit. Her work has centered on enforcing federal and state laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, to ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals receive the reasonable accommodations they are legally entitled to. The following sections will provide more detail on her location, the specific services she offers, and the features that define her professional practice.

Smit Clara R is located at 190 NJ-18 #200, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA. This location makes her office easily accessible to clients throughout the central New Jersey region. The office is situated in a professional building, and the firm has taken steps to ensure accessibility for all clients. Key features of the location's accessibility include a wheelchair accessible parking lot and a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for individuals with physical disabilities. For client comfort, the office also provides a restroom as a standard amenity. The firm operates on an "appointments recommended" basis, which is a professional practice that ensures each client receives dedicated time with the attorney for a thorough consultation. This approach helps to avoid long wait times and ensures that the attorney can be fully prepared to discuss a client's specific legal needs. For clients who communicate via sign language, the firm also offers videophone consultations, which is a critical feature that provides an additional layer of accessibility.

As a specialized attorney, Clara R. Smit focuses her practice on a very specific but critically important area of law. While her type is listed as "Attorney," her primary practice area is dedicated to the civil rights of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Her services include:

• Representation in discrimination cases, particularly for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
• Ensuring communication access and the provision of qualified sign language interpreters.
• Filing hundreds of discrimination cases that have resulted in major policy changes.
• Obtaining significant monetary settlements and consent judgments on behalf of Deaf individuals and groups.
• Advocating for civil rights related to race, disability, sex, and age discrimination.

This list highlights her dedicated and impactful work in the field of civil rights. Her focus is on making society more inclusive and accessible through legal intervention, and her long history of winning cases demonstrates her effectiveness in this area. Her practice is a unique and valuable resource for a community that often struggles to find adequate legal representation.

Several key features and highlights distinguish the legal practice of Smit Clara R. A primary highlight is her deep personal connection and professional expertise in serving the Deaf community. As a CODA and a former certified interpreter, she possesses a level of understanding and empathy that is rare in the legal field. Her fluency in ASL is a major benefit, as it allows for direct and effective communication with her clients, eliminating the need for a third-party interpreter in many situations. The firm also offers online appointments via videophone, which is a crucial accessibility feature for the Deaf community. Another highlight is her proven track record of winning significant cases that have led to broad policy changes and precedents, which speaks to her skill and determination. The positive client review, which describes her as "skilled & kind," further reinforces her reputation as a professional who combines legal prowess with a compassionate approach. The commitment to a wheelchair accessible parking lot and restroom also showcases a dedication to inclusivity beyond her primary specialization.

For those in need of her specialized legal services, Smit Clara R can be contacted by phone at (732) 843-6600 or +1 732-843-6600. The office is located at 190 NJ-18 #200, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA. Additionally, the firm is known to offer consultations via videophone, providing a convenient and accessible option for communication. The single provided customer review is overwhelmingly positive and speaks directly to her skill and compassion in her work for the Deaf community. This feedback is a powerful endorsement of her professional ability and personal approach. The availability of clear contact information and multiple ways to communicate makes it easy for new clients to reach out for a consultation and begin the process of seeking legal assistance. The physical address reinforces her local presence in the East Brunswick area, serving as a hub for her statewide practice.

What is worth choosing about Smit Clara R is her unparalleled specialization and deep personal connection to the community she serves. For members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in New Jersey, finding an attorney who is not only a legal expert but also a cultural insider is a rare and vital advantage. Her fluency in American Sign Language and her history as a certified interpreter allow her to communicate directly and effectively with clients, fostering a level of trust and understanding that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. Her long career, filled with victories that have created legal precedents and policy changes, is a testament to her effectiveness as a civil rights advocate. The positive review highlights her unique combination of legal skill and kindness, which is a powerful selling point. For individuals who have experienced discrimination or have been denied effective communication access, choosing an attorney who has dedicated her entire professional life to these issues is a logical and wise decision. The firm’s commitment to physical accessibility and modern communication methods like videophone consultations further demonstrates a client-centric approach that is designed to meet the specific needs of her community.

Smit Clara R

190 NJ-18 #200, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA